3.24.2024

Late March Birding!

"What it is ... is a place where I can return to myself. It's enough of a scramble to get to that the energy expended is significant, and it translates into a change in my body chemistry and my psychological chemistry and my heart chemistry."

― Anonymous
Despite the return of wintery weather, I ventured out anyway after my temperature gripe. March snowfalls are not uncommon in Wisconsin, so I wasn't entirely surprised. My destination was the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor, where I hoped to spot some early spring migratory songbirds. Although I've visited this area several times this year already, I hadn't come across any Baeolophus bicolor, which is rather unusual for this location. It wasn't until I reached the last bridge north of Century Avenue that I finally spotted a pair of them, a male and female foraging together. 
Where have ya been?

I also found a single Regulus satrapa just before the Century Avenue bridge, which was my first for the year. I noticed a slight uptick in Passerella iliaca, which were cheerfully singing away near the Conservancy Condos. Overall, it was largely residents and expected species. 
While not exactly a welcome sight, the snowfall did create a picturesque scene. It's not uncommon to experience snow like this in April, and occasionally even in early May. However, the recent snow has almost completely melted away, thanks to temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 30s. The stillness of the day, with virtually no wind, allowed me to hear even the most subtle bird calls from quite a distance. I'm grateful that my hearing is still sharp at my age.
Melospiza melodia were everywhere ...
On my way back to the trailhead, I reflected on the beauty of nature's simplicity. The return of snow, though not unexpected, transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland. It served as a reminder of nature's ability to enchant us, even in the coldest months. As I've done hundreds of times, leaving the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor, I carried with me a sense of calm and admiration for the natural world's ever-changing beauty.
Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor
Dane County, Wisconsin
March 23rd, 2024 
34 Species

Branta canadensis
Anas platyrhynchos
Meleagris gallopavo
Zenaida macroura
Antigone canadensis
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Buteo jamaicensis
Bubo virginianus
Melanerpes carolinus
Dryobates pubescens
Dryobates villosus
Colaptes auratus
Cyanocitta cristata
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Poecile atricapillus
Baeolophus bicolor
Regulus satrapa
Sitta carolinensis
Certhia americana
Thryothorus ludovicianus
Sturnus vulgaris
Turdus migratorius
Bombycilla cedrorum
Passer domesticus
Haemorhous mexicanus
Spinus tristis
Passerella iliaca
Junco hyemalis
Zonotrichia albicollis
Melospiza melodia
Agelaius phoeniceus
Molothrus ater
Quiscalus quiscula
Cardinalis cardinalis

Ya gotta love those unoffensive Latin names!

All images © 2024 Mike McDowell

3.23.2024

3.19.2024

70th NOS '54!

"There’s secrets hiding inside this six-string just waitin’ for somebody to find ‘em and turn ‘em into music."

― Brenda Sutton Rose
When Fender announced 70th anniversary editions of the original 1954 Stratocaster, I was initially going to take a pass. But then I saw the Custom Shop versions which prompted me to inquire with Dave's Guitar Shop, who gave me a stellar price so I ordered one. It arrived late last week and I picked it up on Saturday — boy oh boy, what a gorgeous guitar.
As Custom Shop guitars go, one gets the certificate of authenticity and build traveler, but Fender also included period-correct '54 Stratocaster documentation, which is a nice touch. This Strat comes in a variety of time-capsuled/relic finishes, but I opted for NOS (new old stock), which is essentially an instrument that is brand new, but bought in the 1950s — made to vintage specs, but without any wear, faded finish, tarnished hardware, or other signs of age. 

It has the '54 rounded pickup covers ...
The "miniskirt" knobs ...
Vintage bridge/trem ...
Squared off neck pocket ...
A brilliant neck plate ...
As special ordered, a rift-sawn neck instead of quarter-swan, and vintage headstock/tuners ...
Yeah, it's quite the collection now, insured, and protected. Besides, by now you should know what a cautious fellow I am.

All images © 2024 Mike McDowell

3.14.2024

Winter Tiger Beetles? Yes!

"Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world."

— John Muir 
With unseasonably warm temperatures baking the ground the past few days, on Tuesday a fellow tiger beetle aficionado found Cow Path Cicindela purpurea in Bloomer, WI. Following suit, I took the day off yesterday (Wednesday) to search a few locations in Sauk County — the Recreational Area south of the Baraboo Hills and the Canoe Launch along the Wisconsin River. 
The air temperature was a mere 52 degrees, but upon arrival there were already a few Oblique-lined Tiger Beetles warming up to the rising sun. The ground temperature was likely much warmer, and it would be my guess that this was not the first day they were active this spring. Or wait — it's still winter, isn't it? 
Meteorological seasons: These are based on the annual temperature cycle and are used primarily by meteorologists to describe the timing of weather and climate patterns. 

Astronomical seasons: These are based on the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun and are determined by the Earth's axial tilt and orbit around the Sun. Astronomical seasons are marked by the solstices and equinoxes.
So, they're winter insects by one measure and spring by another. Nevertheless, these are the earliest tiger beetles I've observed by 2 to 3 weeks. The end is nigh, my friends! Kidding (sorta). One way or another, one day the very last tiger beetle will perish. Given their tenaciousness and adaptability, they'll be around for tens of millions of years yet. Humans? Doubtful! Having said that, I do find a sense of awe and wonder in contemplating the longevity of species like tiger beetles, which have been around for millions of years and are likely to persist long into the future. It's a reminder of the vast timescales of the natural world and our place within it.
Here they are, freshly emerged ...
As this tiger beetle rises, think of Strauss's Thus Spake Zarathustra ...
See? It works!
Given the lively tiger beetle activity at Sauk Rec., a stop at the Sauk City Canoe Launch seemed like good follow-up — and there were several Bronzed C. repanda hunting the beach along the river. I was hoping for Festive C. scutellaris at both locations, but two species mid-March will do just fine. 
If it makes it, this Shoreline Wolf Spider will get much larger by summer ...
Though they sport some of the finest camouflage Nature offers, they often fall prey to wasps before they reach full size. 

Meanwhile, in birding news ...
It's been nice to see good numbers of A. albifrons this migration.
The past few times I've gone to the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor, a T. ludovicianus has been vigorously broadcasting his tea-kettle tea-kettle tea-kettle song. 
Sing it, buddy!

Right now woodlands are teeming with J. hyemalis song. Their cheerful trills and whistled notes fill the air, signaling changing seasons and bringing a sense of joy to all who listen. While the landscape transitions into spring, with earthy tones and dormant vegetation awaiting the vibrant colors of spring's renewal, the soft, melodious calls of these small songbirds add to the morning's symphonic avian choir. For now, they have the songbird dominant voice — but that will soon change. 
At least for the Aves, it'll be scientific Latin names from here on out. Jon Dunn comments resonate with my position regarding the AOS decision to rename eponymously named birds:

"If there is one useful thing about the name changes, it is that maybe birders might concentrate on scientific names, the name in italics next to the English name. Nearly two thirds of the English names which are eponymous also have eponymous scientific names. If one is so offended by the eponymous English names, how will they live with the scientific names remaining?"

That's a fair point.

You can read Dunn's entire message to AOS here

All images © 2024 Mike McDowell

3.05.2024

It's March!

"In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours."

— Mark Twain
Happy March!

It was a weekend of unseasonably warm weather with strong southerly winds, but it was still great to spend a lot of time outdoors. Bird migration is picking up! In one form or another, migration is occurring somewhere in the world — birds are almost always on the move. Though some birds have been returning to southern Wisconsin since early February, things really begin to pick up during March. 

At Pope Farm Conservancy, I was struck by the welcoming spring songs of Melospiza melodia during a midday walk. Perched on a thick branch, the sparrow's brown plumage blended with the early spring landscape, devoid of greenery. Despite the starkness, there was a unique charm to the brown tones of the season. The sparrow's melody seemed to fill the vastness of the conservancy, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. This moment reminded me of nature's simple yet profound beauty, bringing joy even on a busy day of hiking.
Assessing the situation, a turn, and then ...
Full-send!
Though I covered Pope Farm's entire area, I found only a single male Sialia sialis...
He was using this post as an observation platform to find food ...
Something catches its eye!
And return with some kind of grub.
Soften it up ...
And down the hatch quicker than I could capture!
At the marsh and pond along Highway 14 just before Middleton, I found an opportunity to observe and photograph Agelaius phoeniceus in their element. These striking birds, with their glossy black plumage and vibrant red epaulettes, were a sight to behold against the early spring landscape. As I watched, the males were actively defending territories, engaging in impressive displays of aggression to ward off potential intruders. Despite their intense territorial behavior, they paid little attention to me, allowing me to observe and capture their beauty up close.
Having been a birder for over three decades, I have always been captivated by the displays of Red-winged Blackbirds — they're the true harbingers of spring with distinctive conk-la-reee calls, even though they're common. In a way, birders should be grateful that there are still avian species this abundant — a testament to their evolutionary success. Despite their sometimes aggressive nature, I have never experienced any direct hostility from these birds. Friends have told me they've been attacked by them, flying to the top of their heads, poking or biting their hair and scalp. I've been squawked at, but never attacked.
Wait a sec ... am I getting the low-angle stink eye?
Nope! Resumption of displays ...
 The head-on angle is a little disconcerting, nearly intimidating ...
It's serious business and their determination cannot be denied. 
Uh oh, intruder spotted ...
A face-off between two males ensues ...
Though it starts with what appears to be tolerance, they both flew off to the foot of the cattails and began fighting, flapping, and flopping around. The melee went on for a couple of minutes without the appearance of a clear winner. I suppose only they know the outcome
One male returns to his perch ...
And the follows suit, carries on as well ...
Wow! Was this the victor's display?
Alas, the first ones to return are celebrated and praised, but eventually they become as ubiquitous across prairies and wetlands almost as stars in the night sky. Still, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and appreciation for the resilience of these remarkable icterids. They serve as a seasonal reminder that Nature has a way of captivating and inspiring us, if only we take the time to notice. 
Given temperatures rising into the 70s on Sunday, I decided to check a few tiger beetle haunts. Alas, none were found but I did find a few Cuerna fenestella sharpshooter hoppers.
Onto the Sauk City Canoe Launch ...
Alas, no tiger beetles here either yet, but I did find a few small wolf spiders and dipterans on the beach.
In March, Nature orchestrates a symphony of life as creatures of all shapes and sizes come alive in a dazzling display of activity. Birds return to their breeding grounds, filling the air with their songs and vibrant colors. Meanwhile, insects emerge from dormancy, amphibians begin their annual migrations, and mammals become more active in preparation for the breeding season. Each species plays its part in this phenological spectacle, creating a harmonious tapestry of life that reminds us of the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world.

All images © 2024 Mike McDowell